Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Honours for great and the good in the region
SCORES of distinguished people from around the West have been recognised in the New Year’s honours.
Receiving a knighthood was John Henry James Lewis, who has been chairman of celebrity hangout the Groucho Club in London for more than a decade.
The Dorset-based businessman and lawyer lives near Shaftesbury is 77 and gained his knighthood for services to the arts and to philanthropy.
High-profile West businesswoman Katherine Bennett has been awarded the CBE.
The Wiltshire-based senior vice president of Airbus in the UK has been a prominent voice in the Brexit debate.
She received the honour for services to the aerospace and aviation sectors.
Also receiving the CBE is Bristol City fan and Premier League supremo Richard Scudamore.
The Gloucestershire-based businessman, who stood down as executive chairman of the Premier League earlier this month, hit the headlines recently when he was awarded a £5 million farewell gift.
Another to receive the CBE was Dorset-based adventurer Colonel John Nicholas Blashford-Snell.
The Shaftesbury-based military veteran was recognised for services to scientific research abroad and to young people in the UK.
Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason, who lives near Corsham, Wiltshire, received a CBE for services to music and may see a familiar face when he gets his honour.
The rock star actually bought his West home from the Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla Parker-Bowles, and in 2013 welcomed her back when he opened the gardens for charity.
Historian, writer and television presenter David Olusoga, who lives in Long Ashton, near Bristol, received an OBE, for services to history and to community integration.